What is Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)?

Equality is about dignity and respect. It is about ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents, and believing that no one should have poorer life chances because of where, what or whom they were born, what they believe, or whether they have a disability.

Equality is not always about treating everyone the same – it is about treating people in such a way that the outcome for each person can be the same. This means putting things in place to support people to achieve similar outcomes.

Equality is enshrined in the Irish Constitution and there is comprehensive legislation and structures in place to address discrimination on nine grounds. The nine grounds of equality are:

Age

Disability

Ethnicity / Race

Family Status

Gender

Membership of the Travelling Community

Religion

Sexual Orientation

Socio Economic Variation

Diversity is about differences, seen and unseen.

Inclusion is about creating an environment where people are valued, feel valued and are able to achieve and contribute to their full potential.

An inclusive environment improves interaction with employees, customers and our communities. Diversity and Inclusion are about bringing your whole self to work.

EDI at RCSI

EDI underpins the RCSI Strategic Plan 2018 – 2022 (hyperlink to new plan) and RCSI have established a dedicated EDI Unit which will support the mainstreaming of EDI across the College through an EDI Action Plan.

Who We Are

The EDI Unit is currently staffed as follows:

Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion – Dr Avril Hutch

Athena SWAN Project Officer – Ms Julia Morrow

EDI Operations Assistant – Ms Elisa Duncan Cullen

What We Do

The RCSI EDI Unit collaborates with key departments across the College to:

Ensure that everyone (staff and students) in RCSI has an equal opportunity to succeed and is not discriminated against based on any of the nine grounds.

Provide an education and awareness raising programme on the value of EDI to our day to day work here in RCSI.

Ensure compliance with national legislative requirements.

Ensure existing policies/ practices are equality proofed and support the development of new policies/procedures as required.